Ripped off by fret calculator?!

Triad · #1 09-10-2007, 05:48 PM

Hi there... I've used StewMac's fret calculator and it gave me wrong measurements for 16th and 17th frets. Unfortunately in that moment I didn't notice it and I've found out only after cutting (!).
Anyone here had the same trouble? I've checked the measurements on the sheet and I've respected them.

cricketfever32 · #2 09-10-2007, 05:53 PM

i've only used fretcalc to do one template, never made a bass out of the template though so i cant really tell, what were the measurements showing you?

Triad · #3 09-10-2007, 05:55 PM

Well, I don't have the sheet in handy right now but it's clear that the 16th fret is "too large" and the 17th is "too small". It's like the calculator failed the 16th fret position, "eating" a part of the 17th.

PilbaraBass · #4 09-10-2007, 07:51 PM

I ran this vs. another program I have...the difference is 1/1000 of an inch...

Dirk Diggler · #5 09-10-2007, 11:06 PM

Boy I sure hope it wasn't a 36" or a 32" scale, since I use those for my fan fret designs. Haven't had any issues at all with those scales yet. But actually bad layout anomalies become very obvious on a fan, not to mention playing-wise. That is one of the risks I suppose relying on somebody else's calculations, a chance I took too.

I hope it's not catastrophic to your build.
Dirk

Triad · #6 09-11-2007, 01:01 AM

It was a 35" (89cm). I don't know how and why but it's sure that the error wasn't mine. And now I have a fingerboard with AT LEAST a couple of wrong cuts. Besides it's already on a neck (the bass was fretless but I decided to fret it before finishing).

Suburban · #7 09-11-2007, 06:17 AM

Skip the templates.
Use the string equation right off, and calculate yourself. It will save you being angry - on someone else...

Son of Magni · #8 09-11-2007, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triad

...sure that the error wasn't mine...

I never say that anymore, proved wrong too often

Triad · #9 09-11-2007, 09:20 AM

I double-checked the measurements: they are dead wrong on that sheet!

Anyway I have a part of guilt since I didn't control what was going on (my friend was cutting fret slots with his saw). Well, if I'm lucky enough I can still save the fingerboard...

uethanian · #10 09-11-2007, 06:12 PM

maybe use fretfind?

awesome calculator.